The International Labor Organization has appreciated the 70% increase in the wages of plantation workers to 1700 rupees.
It was during a special discussion held with Mr. Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment, who is participating in the International Labor Organization’s annual International Labor Conference, with Gilbert F Houngbo, Director General of the International Labor Organization.
The Director General of the International Labor Organization commended the Minister Manusha Nanayakkara for following the social development principle of the International Labor Organization during the process of raising the wages of plantation workers.
The discussion between the Minister and the Director General of the International Labor Organization was held yesterday (10) during the annual International Labor Conference of the International Labor Organization currently being held in Geneva.
The Minister clarified the facts regarding the ongoing projects and commitment to improve labor market standards and employment conditions.
The Minister explained the steps taken to ratify the C188 Fishing Convention of the International Labor Organization.
He also mentioned that it will be ratified as soon as possible.
The Minister also explained the steps taken to ratify the Convention on Occupational Safety and Health – C155, Domestic Workers Convention – C189, Workplace Violence and Harassment Convention – C190.
The minister explained about the social security system that will be started by including things like providing benefits in case of job loss, maternity benefits and insurance for workplace accidents and asked the Director General of the International Labor Organization to provide support to strengthen the social security system.
The minister also mentioned that steps will be taken to appoint an inter-ministerial high-level committee to monitor and implement the National Labor Market Information System and the recovery and strategies of the labor market.
Apart from this, the minister explained the steps taken together with the International Labor Organization and the International Migration Organization to train hospitality and nursing workers.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said that through this, increasing the participation of women in the labor force, eliminating gender discrimination, and ensuring good working conditions for women in Sri Lanka.
Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo further assured that the International Labor Organization will provide full support for the program aimed at the labor market.
